Three getting medical treatment after contact with rabid cat

Groton – Three people are receiving treatment for rabies infections after being bitten or scratched by a cat that tested positive for rabies, Animal Control Officer Donna Duso said Tuesday.

The cat, found in the area of Meech and Shore avenues near the Shennecossett Golf Course on Saturday, was caught after one of the injured people reported it to Duso. It was quarantined while the rabies tests were conducted, then euthanized, she said. The cat was a light gray pregnant female with light white striping. It would alternate between friendly and aggressive behavior toward humans, she said.

It did not appear to be a wild cat, but no one has claimed ownership, Duso said.

Anyone who believes they have been exposed to the cat is urged to call the animal control officer at (860) 441-6709 and to contact their physician.